Teacher's Pet

Did the brilliant media campaign on the Marino affair go over the top? And were some figures in the controversy subjected to what one senior TCD figure has called "absolutely despicable" innnuendo?.

These are the awkward questions circulating in education circles, as the dust settles. Everyone accepts the outstanding track record of Caoimhe Máirtín, the former head of the teacher college at Marino. She resigned after securing a High Court settlement of about €500,000 from Marino after alleging bullying.

Her resignation unleashed a flood of allegations about property deals and the possible misuse of State funds. In a statement - which reminded some of Pat Rabbitte's declaration about information that would "shake the foundations of the State" - Senator Joe O'Toole said he was ready to name names.

But what are we left with? Even some of Máirtín's most ardent supporters say that some of the stuff thrown at her critics was a bit OTT. Máirtíherself made no allegation of financial impropriety in discussions with officials from the Department of Education. Most observers believe the inquiry ordered by Minister for Education Mary Hanafin will not support allegations of serious financial irregularities.

Dr Howard Smith, TCD's nominee on the Marino board - who says he is an objective witness - appears to believe that some in the controversy have been treated unfairly. Strangely, that belief is beginning to spread in education circles.

Some are already calling it a "career-defining" interview. They are talking about Mary Hanafin's Morning Ireland interview last week on the school transport system. This was a powerful performance which impressed everyone in the education sector - and beyond. On hearing the interview, one - not easily impressed - senior figure declared: "This woman is a future Taoiseach - no question."

Not even a last-minute intervention by RTÉ's wonderful Charlie Bird could prevent UCC boss Gerry Wrixon getting his four-year extension.

Bird did well to get so many academics to speak on the record about their unease. But with no smoking gun the Government was happy to rubber-stamp the extension. Wrixon, who does not suffer fools, seems unfazed by all the controversy. Just as well, because his rivals are re-grouping for the next phase of their campaign.

This is the last Teacher's Pet until September as your correspondent dives into the exam and CAO season. Many thanks to the whistleblowers who dished the dirt.

Got any education gossip? E-mail us, in confidence, at teacherspet@irish-times.ie